Smoothies in Wicker Park/Bucktown?

All -

Looking for a place to get a smoothie in Wicker park, any tips? Going to dodge starfruit.

More Bucktown, but how is Doc's?

I just read in today's Tribune that a Dairy Queen/Orange Julius has opened on Damen, just north of North Ave. Orange Julius has a bunch of smoothie flavors.

Best,
Michael

Stopped at Doc's a few weeks ago for a strawberry smoothie. I may not be much help since I rarely drink smoothies and therefore don't have a good basis for comparison, but it was tasty and the guy at the counter was very nice. The menu is somewhat limited, but they are willing and eager to mix stuff up pretty much any way you like. It is pretty bare-bones, hardly any decor at all, but definitely had a mom-and-pop vibe. You'd certainly be helping out a local business if you went there.

As far as "dodging starfruit" goes, that's a good idea--that is one pointy little fruit!

I thought Zen Noodles made fruit smoothies and bubble-tea-type drinks, but I haven't been there in a while. Their web site doesn't have any drink info. Maybe you could call.

1852 W North Ave
(not sure why they have four numbers on their web site...)
773-276-8300
773-276-8312
773-276-8358
773-276-8377
http://www.zennoodles.com/index.asp

Sorry to hijack the thread and sort of change the subject a little, but I live in bucktown and noticed the DQ/OJ says it's the first green DQ. I laughed to myself when I saw this, but does anyone know what they mean by being Green?

Shaggywillis wrote:Sorry to hijack the thread and sort of change the subject a little, but I live in bucktown and noticed the DQ/OJ says it's the first green DQ. I laughed to myself when I saw this, but does anyone know what they mean by being Green?

From Metromix:

This new Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, which opened July 17, is nothing like the DQ or Orange Julius you remember from when you were a kid. For starters, the two-story brick building has "green" elements, such as energy-efficient HVAC and an eco-friendly elevator. The 4,400-square-foot space also is fitted with urban touches such as a second-level outdoor deck--definitely a cut above your cheesy childhood haunt.

I tried that new Just Indulge custard place on the corner of Wood and North a couple of weeks ago.
DH and I both had milkshakes- banana and vanilla with malt respectively and were very pleased. The vanilla custard is great and I am glad to have it in the 'hood since a drive up to Scooters isn't always something I am in the mood to do.

ANYWAY...smoothies. They definitely have them on the menu, but I would rather have a concrete or milkshake!!!

eatchicago wrote:I just read in today's Tribune that a Dairy Queen/Orange Julius has opened on Damen, just north of North Ave. Orange Julius has a bunch of smoothie flavors.

Best,
Michael

I have a good friend who's part of the ownership team, so I'm not totally unbiased, but I have sampled their smoothies at their Thompson Center location and they are better than Jamba Juice IMHO.

Shaggywillis wrote:Sorry to hijack the thread and sort of change the subject a little, but I live in bucktown and noticed the DQ/OJ says it's the first green DQ. I laughed to myself when I saw this, but does anyone know what they mean by being Green?

Mint ice cream................

We ended up going to Doc's and it was quite good. Not a smoothie expert but tried one of their green smoothies and then the #5 which was raspberrys, bananas, and a couple other with some yogurt. Overall the green smoothie was quite delicious and the #5 was what I typically think of when I have a fruit smoothie with yogurt.

We live right near Doc's, and have been many times. Their green smoothies and juices are awesome. I usually invite them to try out something new on me, and they always deliver. Everything is organic, and you can really tell when your just dealing with raw fruits and veggies. My only complaint is the bright neon green and yellow paint which doesn't make me want to enjoy my smoothie there.

I recommend the green smoothie with mango, banana, spinach and kale.